Odfjell Advances Wind Propulsion with First eSAIL Installation

Norwegian chemical tanker operator Odfjell has expanded its sustainability strategy by equipping its Bow Olympus with four 22-meter-tall eSAIL suction sails. Installed in just two days at EDR Antwerp Shipyard through a partnership with bound4blue, this marks Odfjell’s first use of wind-assisted propulsion to cut emissions and boost efficiency.

Evaluating Wind Propulsion Solutions

Odfjell selected bound4blue’s eSAIL system following an in-depth assessment of various wind-assisted propulsion technologies. The research institute RISE (formerly SSPA) conducted a comprehensive analysis, leading to the decision to implement eSAIL technology based on its efficiency and adaptability to chemical tanker operations.

The company has already reduced its fleet’s carbon intensity by 53% compared to 2008 levels through operational improvements and energy-saving technologies. VP Technology, Erik Hjortland, states, “The five-year-old vessel will soon embark on what could be called her second maiden voyage—this time, crossing the Atlantic towards Texas with four eSAILs®. Each nautical mile will be thoroughly analyzed in real-time to document the energy-saving effects. The project answers to the core of our decarbonization strategy, and we are eager to see that our calculations and expectations are confirmed.”

Key Advantages of eSAIL Technology

The eSAIL system enhances vessel efficiency by generating aerodynamic lift through controlled airflow, delivering up to seven times the propulsive force of conventional rigid sails under typical conditions.

For chemical tankers, the system offers additional benefits:

• Simplified Installation – The modular installation process allows for a staged approach, as demonstrated with Bow Olympus, where sail pedestals were fitted during drydocking before the eSAILs were mounted at Antwerp.
• Cost Efficiency – The option to use non-ATEX units reduces initial investment and eliminates the need for explosion-proof configurations, a key consideration for tanker operations.
• Autonomous Operation – The sails function automatically, optimizing performance without requiring extensive crew intervention.

Regulatory and Market Incentives

Wind propulsion is gaining traction in the maritime industry as regulatory frameworks increasingly reward emissions reductions. eSAIL installations support compliance with key frameworks, including the FuelEU Maritime Wind Reward Factor, which encourages wind-assisted solutions, and the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), where lower fuel consumption translates to reduced compliance costs.

Additionally, eSAILs help improve fleet energy efficiency scores under the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) ratings. The economic case for wind propulsion is also strengthening, with eSAILs typically achieving a payback period of under five years.

Industry Adoption and Funding Support

Odfjell joins a growing list of operators deploying bound4blue’s wind propulsion technology, alongside companies such as Eastern Pacific Shipping, Louis Dreyfus Armateurs, and Amasus, reflecting broader industry momentum toward hybrid propulsion solutions.

Partly financed under the European Union’s Innovation Fund programme, the project highlights the role of public-private collaboration in accelerating the adoption of sustainable maritime technologies.